Radio icon Footy talks fitness (and beer)

John "Footy" Kross became a radio icon in South Florida after joining Top 40 station "Y-100" (WHYI, FM 100.7) in 1974 and emceeing countless events through the years. He left his daily show and the station in 2006 and now hosts a Saturday sports program on "The Sports Animal" (WINZ, AM 940).

During the week, he works at Here's Help Inc., which treats drug-addicted adolescents and young adults. And it's a well-known fact that he's involved with the Wing Ding Golf Classic to benefit Here's Help. The 12th annual event takes place this year on Friday at Pembroke Pines Golf & Racquet Club, with teams of four and individuals competing. (For more information, go to hereshelpinc.com.)

With the event just days away, he took time to answer a few questions on his fitness routine, diet and golf handicap.

I'm the kind of person who is always in motion, until I sit down and start having beer.

I don't think I would be any good in a gym. I play golf with [my former radio co-host] Froggy two or three afternoons a week, and I like to get on a bike and swim around. I start the summer doing 20 laps, and by the end of summer, I do 50 laps pretty much every day.

In the winter, I ride a bike three or four times a week. I have a route around my neighborhood. Not sure how far it is, but it takes 45 minutes.

What's your golf handicap?

Me! Actually I'm probably 20.

Is golfing athletic? Do you walk the course or ride a cart?

Yeah, it's exercise. I walk from shot to shot a lot, so at the end of a round I'm sweating. Is it football? No, but it's motion.

Have you played other competitive sports?

When I was a kid, I played junior high school basketball, and played a lot of softball when I moved to Miami. Did boat racing back in the day.

Do you do any recreational activities that are fitness related?

I'm into the outdoors in general with the bike and swimming, and fishing, diving. I spearfish.

Does your family keep fit?

My sons are pretty active. They stay fit. They take after their old man, are active boating, fishing, the same as me.

Do you have a personal fitness motto or philosophy, like Nike's "Just Do It"?

I was always taught that if you're not sweating, you're not exercising. I like sweating. I'm a sweat fiend.

Do you have any physical problems that hinder exercise?

I have gout and when I get a flareup, which is not often, that'll slow me up a couple of days. I have a good range of motion.

What's your typical diet?

I eat like a pig, but I wake up starving because I rarely eat past 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Besides genetics, that's pretty much why I stay thin.

Lunch is my biggest meal, and I have a snack at 3 or 4 in the afternoon. I eat a lot, but I don't eat voracious portions. If I get chicken wings, I don't have to eat every one. I can eat three or four. Some of my friends, everything you put in front of them they'll eat.

This is not a [diet] plan, just the way I've always eaten since I was a kid. It's not a chore, just part of everyday life.

I don't eat a lot of fast food. I eat a lot of Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, which is good for you!

Do you take any vitamins or sports nutrition products?

No. No medications. My son's a pharmacist and he said to stay away from performance-enhancing products. I just eat tomatoes.

Counting calories while eating out? Before you order, check out our database of calories in selected restaurant menu items. The information was gathered from nutritional statements provided by the restaurants. CREDIT: Dana Williams/Sun Sentinel

It's time to soak in our lush tropical landscape. From mega-mansions to dike riding to a bike path crowded with alligators, South Florida's natural fitness trails are some of the most unique in the country. Take a tour with us.

By Nicole Brochu, Sun Sentinel Achoo! It's cold and flu season -- still. Sniff. How can anyone expect to emerge unscathed with all those infectious droplets flying around? Well, the good news is that, aside from getting a flu shot, there's plenty you can do to keep those nasty germs at bay. Here...

No matter the age, everyone should have a wish list of things to do before you kick the ol’ bucket. And the South Florida scene is particularly rich in one-of-a-kind experiences. Here are our top recommendations for your South Florida bucket list. - Nicole Brochu

By Nicole Brochu South Florida's lifeguards save lives -- and look fabulous doing it. How do they stay so fit? By using nature's gym -- the surf and sea. And you can, too! We spoke with five of South Florida's fittest to give you their techniques.